Blind fired by Netherlands with 2018 World Cup berth in jeopardy

Following a shocking 2-0 loss to Bulgaria on Saturday, the Netherlands' football association (KNVB) has decided to part ways with head coach Danny Blind.

The defeat leaves the Dutch in danger of missing the 2018 World Cup - and a second major tournament in a row - as they trail qualifying Group A leader France by six points and playoff holder Sweden by three.

Assistant Fred Grim will take over matchday duties when the Netherlands host Italy in a friendly on Tuesday.

News of Blind's firing doesn't come as a surprise. Once a factory of exciting talent, the Netherlands has struggled to compete on the international level since finishing third in the 2014 World Cup. It failed to reach Euro 2016, and has only accrued seven points from five qualifiers in the current qualification cycle.

Many in the media chastised the former Ajax manager for starting 17-year-old Matthijs de Ligt - who has made just seven senior league appearances so far - in the heart of the Netherlands' defence. The debutant, at fault for both of Bulgaria's goals, was hooked at the interval.

But the 55-year-old, who succeeded Guus Hiddink in 2015, took responsibility for the loss in Bulgaria.

"The blame is on me. It falls firmly on my roof," Blind said after the match.

Blind amassed a disappointing 3-1-5 record in competitive matches at the helm of the national team.